Wedding favours: ideas, inspiration & everything you need to know

Wedding favours are one of those details that feel small but can have a big impact. Whether you opt for something simple, sentimental, or slightly quirky, these gifts are ultimately about thanking your guests for being part of your celebration.

If you’re looking for inspiration, suggestions, or clarity on whether you even need them, this guide explains exactly what wedding favours are, who they’re for, and explores a wide range of ideas for wedding favours.

What are wedding favours?

Wedding favours are small gifts given to guests as a token of appreciation for attending your wedding. Traditionally, they symbolised good luck, prosperity, and gratitude. Today, wedding favours are far more flexible and personal, often reflecting the couple’s personality, values, or wedding theme.

Wedding favours can be edible, practical, decorative, or symbolic. Some couples choose personalised keepsakes, while others prefer simple or budget-friendly options that guests can enjoy on the day, such as homemade treats, chocolates, or small candles.

Whatever form they take, wedding favours are a thoughtful way to leave guests with a lasting reminder of your celebration.

Who are wedding favours for?

Wedding favours are usually given to all guests attending the reception, which typically includes day guests. Some couples do opt to give wedding favours to evening guests too, but this isn’t as common. 

Most weddings provide one wedding favour per guest, although it’s increasingly common to offer one per couple or household, particularly with edible or larger wedding favour gifts. Some couples also provide alternative favours for children, such as sweets or small activity packs. There’s no strict rule; the choice depends on your guest list, budget, and personal preference.

Wedding favour ideas by category

Choosing the right wedding favours is a great way to thank your guests while reflecting your style, budget, and personality as a couple. Whether you love getting creative, want to keep costs low, or are looking for something memorable and unique, there are plenty of wedding favour ideas to suit every type of celebration. 

There’s no single set of rules for what wedding favours should include, but they typically fall into a few broad categories. Below, we break down the following popular wedding favour ideas by category to help you find the perfect fit for your day:

• DIY Wedding Favours

• Budget Wedding Favours

• Baked & Edible Wedding Favours

• Personalised & Special Wedding Favours

• Themed Wedding Favours

• Quirky & Interesting Wedding Favours

Many couples choose something edible, such as wedding favour sweets or chocolate wedding favours, because these are easy to enjoy and are rarely left behind. Others opt for practical items that guests can reuse at home, or sentimental keepsakes that mark the occasion.

Wedding favours often include a small tag or label with the couple’s names, wedding date, or a short thank-you message. This personal touch helps transform even the simplest item into a meaningful gift. Personalised wedding favours are especially popular for couples who want their favours to feel intentional rather than generic.

DIY wedding favours

DIY wedding favours are ideal for couples who enjoy a hands-on approach and want to add a personal element to their wedding. Making your own favours allows you to control both the design and cost, making them a popular choice for couples seeking budget wedding favour ideas. Popular DIY options include:

• Homemade candles

• Hand-poured wax melts

• Small jars of jam or honey

• Handmade soaps

While DIY favours can be more time-consuming, they often feel more meaningful and can double as special wedding favours when finished with thoughtful packaging.

Budget & cheap wedding favours

Wedding favours don’t need to be expensive to be appreciated. In fact, some of the most popular options are simple, affordable, and well-presented. Budget-friendly wedding favours work best when they’re thoughtful rather than flashy. Ideas include:

• Sweets in bags with handwritten labels

• Seed packets

• Tea or coffee sachets

• Mini chocolates

These are classic gifts for wedding favours that suit a wide range of guests and wedding styles. Buying in bulk and adding your own labels is one of the easiest ways to keep costs down without compromising on quality.

Baked & edible wedding favours

Edible wedding favours remain a widely popular choice for their delicious usability. Guests are far more likely to take something home that they will enjoy eating! Edible suggestions for wedding favours include:

• Baked goods such as cookies, brownies, doughnuts, or slices of cake are always well received. 

• Chocolate wedding favours are another timeless choice, whether that’s luxury truffles or simple chocolate bars with personalised wrappers. Edible favours also work well for couples who want a fuss-free option.

Personalised & special wedding favours

For couples who want to create a lasting impression, personalised wedding favours add an extra layer of meaning. These favours often double as keepsakes and are ideal if you want something guests can reuse or display, perfect for small and intimate ceremonies. Examples include:

• Engraved keyrings

• Candles with custom labels

• Mini photo frames

• Personalised coasters or bottle openers

These special wedding favours feel considered and often become treasured reminders of the day.

Themed wedding favours

Themed favours help tie your wedding details together and reinforce your overall aesthetic. Whether your wedding is rustic, beachy, vintage, or travel-inspired, themed favours add cohesion and visual impact.

For example, rustic weddings often suit natural materials like wood or dried flowers, while coastal weddings pair beautifully with candles, sea salt, or nautical details. These options are great if you’re looking for interesting wedding favours that feel intentional rather than last-minute.

Quirky & interesting wedding favours

If you want to do something a little different, quirky wedding favour ideas can be a great way to surprise your guests. These favours often become conversation starters and help your wedding stand out.

Popular options include scratch cards, mini games, hangover kits, or custom illustrations, which can either be drawn by yourself if you are artistically inclined (or if you have an artistic friend who wouldn’t mind helping!), or by a caricaturist if your budget allows.

While unconventional, these choices often result in some of the most interesting wedding favours, especially for relaxed or non-traditional weddings.

Wedding favours FAQs

Are wedding favours necessary?

Simply put, no. Wedding favours are completely optional. Guests attend your wedding to celebrate with you, not for a gift. If favours don’t fit your budget or priorities, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip them.

How much should I spend on wedding favours?

There’s no set amount, but many couples spend between £1-£5 per guest. Thoughtful budget wedding favour ideas often feel just as meaningful as more expensive options.

When should wedding favours be given out?

Wedding favours are commonly placed at each guest’s table setting, displayed on a dedicated favour table, or handed out at the end of the evening. Choose what works best for your venue and timeline.

Can you have wedding favours instead of place cards?

Yes, many couples combine the two by adding guest names to their favours. This works particularly well with personalised wedding favours and can help reduce costs and table clutter.

Host your perfect wedding at Springbank Manor

With its romantic atmosphere, Springbank Manor offers the perfect setting to present thoughtful details that reflect your style as a couple. Whether simple, personalised, or a little quirky, wedding favours naturally complement a venue designed for unforgettable weddings.

Get in touch with the team to start planning your perfect wedding!